Stopping Power: IIHS Rates 19 New Models for Front Crash Prevention

August 26, 2015

While the prospect of fleets of driverless cars grabs headlines, vehicles that can brake without driver intervention if a crash is imminent are here and are making a measurable difference on U.S. roads. To help consumers zero in on automatic braking systems with the most stopping power, the Institute started rating passenger vehicles for front crash prevention in 2013.

More than a dozen new models earn the highest rating of superior in the latest round of IIHS ratings.

"Most motorists won't be riding in driverless cars anytime soon," says David Zuby, the Institute's executive vice president and chief research officer. "In the shorter term, automatic braking is an accessible technology that's within reach for many drivers. We've seen an uptick in the number of luxury and mainstream models with available autobrake. That's a welcome sign for highway safety and helps pave the way for the eventual deployment of fully autonomous vehicles."

Forward collision warning systems that meet performance criteria set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and autobrake systems that provide only minimal speed reduction in IIHS tests earn a basic rating.

Vehicles that combine the warning with moderate speed reductions earn an advanced rating. It also is possible to qualify for an advanced rating with an autobrake system that doesn't first warn the driver before taking action. Models that provide major speed reductions in IIHS tests earn a superior rating.

The proportion of models with front crash prevention is growing...

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...as well as the proportion with autobrake

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Autobrake availability is on the rise, HLDI data show. Among 2015 models, 212 of 784 offer autobrake, more than twice as many as in the 2012 model year.

The rating system is based on HLDI research indicating that forward collision warning and automatic braking systems help drivers avoid front-to-rear crashes (see Status Report special issue: crash avoidance, July 3, 2012).

Front crash prevention systems use various types of sensors, such as cameras, radar or laser, to detect when the vehicle is getting too close to one in front of it. Most systems issue a warning and precharge the brakes to maximize their effect if the driver responds by braking. Many systems automatically brake the vehicle if the driver doesn't respond. In some cases, automatic braking is activated without a warning.

Mercedes-Benz is first to offer a standard front crash prevention system that earns a superior rating in IIHS test track evaluations. Mercedes' Collision Prevention Assist Plus system is standard on the 2015 C-Class, CLA and E-Class. Most front crash prevention systems must be purchased as part of an optional package.

Since the Institute launched its front crash prevention ratings program in 2013, some manufacturers have upgraded autobrake capabilities to earn higher ratings. Mazda is one example. The 2014-15 Mazda 6 is rated advanced, while the 2016 midsize car earns a superior rating. Another is BMW. The 2013-14 X3 midsize luxury SUVs were rated basic. Now the 2016 model earns either an advanced or superior rating, depending on system options. Likewise, the 2015 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen and Jetta were rated basic for front crash prevention, while the 2016 models are rated advanced.

Although luxury vehicles are more likely to have optional front crash prevention systems, the technology is catching on with more mainstream nameplates. Seven of the 19 superior- or advanced-rated models in this new round are moderately priced: Chrysler 300; Dodge Charger; Mazda 6 and CX-5; and Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen and Jetta.

Forward collision warning is available on half of the 784 2015 models in HLDI's vehicle features database. Twenty-seven percent of 2015 models offer a front crash prevention system with autobrake, more than twice as many as in the 2012 model year.

The Institute requires an advanced or better rating for front crash prevention as one of the criteria needed for a 2015 Top Safety Pick+ award.

Front crash prevention ratings

SUPERIORModels earning a total of 5 to 6 points,
based on performance in autobrake tests
and credit for forward collision warning